Thursday, August 19

Summer of Love: His Conquest

Good morning, everyone! As many of you know, historicals are near and dear to my heart, and Diana Cosby, our author for the day, is a fabulous historical author. She is giving away a signed copy of one of her wonderful historicals, His Captive(many apologies to Diana, that I did not correct this before posting, I thought I did. It is HIS CAPTIVE as the giveaway). You know how I love Scottish historicals and Diana has a whole bevy of sexy MacGruders!

Linet Dancort will not be sold. But that's essentially what her brother intends to do—to trade her like so much chattel to widen his already vast scope of influence. Linet will seize any opportunity to escape her fate—and opportunity comes in the form of a rebel prisoner locked in her brother's dungeon, predatory and fearsome, and sentenced to hang in the morning.

WOULD FIRST NEED SAVING HIMSELF

Seathan MacGruder, Earl of Grey, is not unused to cheating death. But even this legendary Scottish warrior is surprised when a beautiful Englishwoman creeps to his cell and offers him his freedom. What Linet wants in exchange, though—safe passage to the Highlands—is a steep price to pay. For the only thing more dangerous than the journey through embattled Scotland is the desire that smolders between these two fugitives the first time they touch . . .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Through the carved window, Lady Linet Dancort scanned the midnight sky battered by hard, spring-fed rain. She must hurry. With a steadying breath, Linet pushed back her hood and stepped into the torchlight. A slight scrape sounded as her slipper touched the stone floor.

The Scottish rebel whirled to face her.

Lightening split the sky. Thunder snarled in its wake. Lord Grey’s eyes, feral like a wolf’s, locked on hers.

A tremor rocked her as potent as the next blast of thunder. Her body commanded she retreat. Linet refused. Like the air pulsing with energy, her every sense became charged with awareness.

The urge to shield her face from his unapologetic glare stunned her. Throughout her life she’d been given the freedom to study alongside her peers. Her father had encouraged her to speak her mind. Never had a man’s presence, much less his gaze, incited her interest to a mind-spinning degree. It was illogical this prisoner could make her feel anything by a mere look.

But standing paces away, with his warrior’s dark gaze burning into hers, her body trembled. She owed her reaction to nerves. And rightly so. By the rebels formidable height, scathing look and arrogant stance, there was little safe about the Scot. And with orders for Seathan MacGruder to be hung at first light, he must be desperate.

As was she.

Head held high, she stepped to within a hand’s length of the cell door. Lightning illuminated the chamber, exposing he’d shifted his body, his feet now braced in an aggressive stance.

“I have come to set you free.” Thunder rumbled, this time closer, an ominous backdrop to her quiet offer.

The earl remained silent, his expression raw with distrust.

The rebel doubted her. She’d expected as much. God forbid if he discovered Lord Tearlach, his sworn enemy, was her brother.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Diana is giving away a signed copy of His Captive, the first in the series! Just comment to get your name in the hat!

Looking forward to starting your MacGruder brothers series once I manage to get my toddler-high tall TBR pile shortened down some. I really don't know how authors manage to hold a full time job, write and find time to read. Not too mention taking care of spouse, kids and house as needed!

Question about the name Seathan -- how do you pronounce the Gaelic? I know from the research into my SCAdian name (Sebhdann, pronounced as best as I can determine SHEV-ah-don) that Gaelic and English have nothing in common in pronunciation, especially with Gaelic not having as many letters as English.

~Hi Sue, thank you very much for stopping by, and I hope you enjoying meeting the MacGruders. I hear you on the TBR pile. I think we try and convince ourselves we'll get through it as we're purchasing more at the bookstore. *Smile*

I really don't know how authors manage to hold a full time job, write and find time to read. Not too mention taking care of spouse, kids and house as needed!

~I remember when my kids were young, once they headed off to school, I used the quiet time.

Question about the name Seathan -- how do you pronounce the Gaelic? I know from the research into my SCAdian name (Sebhdann, pronounced as best as I can determine SHEV-ah-don) that Gaelic and English have nothing in common in pronunciation, especially with Gaelic not having as many letters as English.

~I asked a guy I know in Scotland, and he told me it's similar to Shawn. I didn't know that when I chose it, I think I envisioned it more as like See-than. :) BTW, I find all of my story names from historical records for the books time frame.

MMMM! I have your other books, and was talking about them the other day and there were ears perked up and hands out to borrow. I think I'll have to hide my pre-ordered book and NOT SHARE. ;) Get 'em hooked and then I'll have people who understand why I love your books SO much!

crys said: MMMM! I have your other books, and was talking about them the other day and there were ears perked up and hands out to borrow. I think I'll have to hide my pre-ordered book and NOT SHARE. ;) Get 'em hooked and then I'll have people who understand why I love your books SO much!

~*Hugs* Thank you, Crys, for the kind words/belief in me and dropping by. It's always wonderful to see you. Congratulations on an amazing summer. I'm so happy for you.

Wait. Maybe I'll just order more to tuck into stockings! :)

~*Chuckle* I might just do that as well. Take care my friend, always a blessing to see you. Enjoy the rest of your summer! *Hugs*

Angi Morgan said: I loved HIS CAPTIVE. I finally have time to read HIS WOMAN. And can't wait for the fall release of HIS CONQUEST !

WOO HOO !!

~:) Angie, thank you so much for stopping by, and I'm thrilled you're enjoying meeting the MacGruder brothers. Each is a book of my heart. I'm thrilled to share that the first chapter of His Destiny, book #4 in the series, will be at the end of His Conquest. I'm waiting to hear back if my editor is picking up books #5 & 6 in the series, Griffin's and the Grandmothers, so please keep your fingers crossed. Again, my thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!

~Thank you so much for your kind words and your dropping by. :) I hope you enjoy Seathan and Linet's book. I've been trying to figure out what to call it, and I finally realized, it's a "Quest." A journey to overcome the odds, and against all reason, to find love. :)

Don't put me in the list for the drawing since I already have a couple copies of His Captive. :-) *Hugs*

~A couple. Holy cow - thank you! And my best to you on your release of Moonlight Desperado! ^5

Valerie said: Love Scottish historicals. The kilts, the sexy Lairds, oh my!!! Can I be entered???

~Hi Valerie, thank you very much for stopping by. Absolutely! :) I had a reader e me the other day that they saw my books on the shelves in Germany. How amazing is that? Hope you're enjoying your summer. Take care and thanks again for dropping by!

Colleen said: Have not had the pleasure of reading your books... the excerpt was great... love historicals, have to hop on over to your website to see what else you have! :)

Hi Colleen, thank you very much for stopping by. I write Scottish medieval romantic suspense set in the Braveheart era. Each book in the series is stand alone, but if you want to read them in order, they begin with His Captive. There are excerpts for each book in my books section on my website. http://www.dianacosby.com/books.html

If you decide to check out the MacGruder brothers, I hope you enjoy them as much as I have. Take care and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Brandy W said: Another new to me author and book I'm going to have to have. I mean who can resist a Scottish warrior. Certainly not me.

~Hi Brandy, thank you very much for stopping by. I'm with you, I LOVE Scottish historicals and the men who filled them. :) I hope you enjoy meeting the MacGruder brothers, each story is a book of my heart. Take care and I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

I am so excited to find another fantastic author to add to my ever growing list!! I can't wait to get my hands on these books. I now have another reason to head to Barnes and Noble tomorrow !! There is just something about a man in a kilt that gets my blood boiling!! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and chat !!

Tina said: I am so excited to find another fantastic author to add to my ever growing list!! I can't wait to get my hands on these books. I now have another reason to head to Barnes and Noble tomorrow !! There is just something about a man in a kilt that gets my blood boiling!! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and chat !!

~Hi Tina, thank you very much for stopping by, and thank you for checking out the MacGruder brothers. I'm with you, love a man in a kilt! :) If you're interested, I have excerpts for the first three books on my website:http://www.dianacosby.com/books.html

Take care and I'd love to know what you think. Have a wonderful trip at Barns and Noble and a fabulous weekend!

Hi Diana,You know how much I loved your other two books and now I am awaiting "His Conquest". You have me so hooked on these brothers and now its Seathan story. Can't wait. Love me some Scottish history,Frances Lucia

Frances Lucia said: Hi Diana, You know how much I loved your other two books and now I am awaiting "His Conquest". You have me so hooked on these brothers and now its Seathan story. Can't wait. Love me some Scottish history,

~Hi Frances, thank you so much for stopping by, and I'm thrilled you enjoyed meeting the MacGruder brothers. I love them all. I hope you enjoy meeting Linet, the heroine in His Conquest. She's the perfect woman for Seathan, except he's not convinced. LOL Take care and have a fabulous weekend!

flchen1 said: This sounds terrific, Diana! I've been hearing good things about this series, and look forward to catching up!

~Hi Flchn1, thank you so much for stopping by. Thank you, I hope you enjoy meeting the MacGruder brothers. I work hard to ensure that the historical facts I weave in my stories are true. The huge historical story fact you read in His Captive, true. :) Take care and have a fabulous weekend!

Melissa, Thank you very much for having me on your, "Summer of Love Blog Contest!" Sue V, congratulations on winning a signed copy of His Captive! I hope you enjoy meeting Alexander, the middle MacGruder brother and Nichola, the feisty woman who turns the Scottish rebel's world upside down. :) Another huge thanks to everyone who stopped by. I sincerely appreciate all of your kind words and hope you enjoy meeting the MacGruders as much as I did writing their stories. When I think of the Scots and their men, the image is of men of valor, love and a touch of magic. Take care, enjoy the rest of your summer, and may a touch of magic always be infused within your life.Slaìnte!

OMG! Diana, thank you so much!!! Well, I guess my TBR pile just gained 2 more books -- I'll use my Border's Rewards discount and pick up 'His Woman.' When 'His Conquest' hits stores I'll be able to read all three, one right after another! YAY!

Well, I guess my TBR pile just gained 2 more books -- I'll use my Border's Rewards discount and pick up 'His Woman.' When 'His Conquest' hits stores I'll be able to read all three, one right after another! YAY!